general information

Crazing

Crazing normal feature of original Victorian glazes. It is a gradual process with some colours crazing straight from the kiln and some taking weeks to develop. You may hear the tile ‘ping’ as this happens. This is a normal feature of these glazes and part of their charm. Craze lines aren’t cracks in the tile and won’t affect the integrity of the tiles or their use.

Samples

Please email your name, address and contact number and we will be please to send out samples.

Glazed edges
We can glaze exposed edges for you. A single glazed edge (SGE) can be requested or a double glazed edge (DGE). There is a small charge of £0.50 for each glazed edge.

Adhesive and Grout
Standard adhesives and grouts can be used. Our sharp edge Victorian style tiles can be set with a small joint (1-2mm). We also offer a sharp straight edge tiles that can be used for butt-jointing on request. We recommend using an impregnator to minimise staining over time. Please note that very dark coloured grouts such as dark grey or black will highlight the craze lines in the glaze. If a dark grout is used ensure that the tiles are fully and evenly crazed before grouting. The highlighted crazing will then give an ‘aged affect’. On original Victorian tiles the crazing is only noticable due to dust/soot filling the craze lines over the years. We ofter ‘aged tiles’ by intentionally staining the crazing with a dark coloured stain. Paler grout colours donot give the same affect. Please give us a call to discuss if you are unsure.

Returns
We are unable to restock unused tiles

Using tiles in hot areas
The tiles have been fired to 1060°C and are suitable for all hot areas including in and around a fireplace and under woodburners.

Using tiles in wet areas
The tiles are suitable for shower and steam rooms. Even though some of the glazes will craze, we can ensure that a waterproof layer called an ‘engobe’ is applied under the glaze. However, as with any tiling installation in wet areas, a suitable water barrier behind the tiles should be used. It is good practice to apply an impregnator to the grout and tiles after installation.

Using tiles outside
The tiles can be used outside. However, they can be susceptible to frost damage and we should be informed if frost damage is a possibility.

Floors
Our wall tiles are not suitable for floors

Tile matching service – domestic projects
We specialise in the reproduction of heritage tiles and glazes (pre-metric) rather than contemporary tiles. Please email a photo of the tiles to be matched so that we can provide prices. We will need a sample if you would like to proceed.

Victorian Ceramics
Unit 14
Queensway Link Industrial Estate
Stafford Park 17
Telford
TF3 3DN

t: +44 (0) 1952 743345
e: david@victorianceramics.com
Visitors by appointment only

Tiles from the William De Morgan, WIlliam Morris and Philip Webb collections are 6″ x 6″ (152mm x 152mm) and 8mm thick.

Victorian Plain Colour Tiles are available in a variety of sizes. Below is a full list of the tiles sizes we produce. Please click on each icon for more information and detailled images.